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Home , An Lanntair, Barra Airport, Butt of Lewis, Garenin, Isle of Lewis, Kisimul Castle

Space for you to grow

The Western Isles, also known as the Outer These islands provide some of the most , is a chain of islands which lie beautiful scenery in the world, each island 55km off the west coast of , holding its own unique features ranging stretching 160 miles from the from wild rocky peaks, moorlands and in the north to in the south. The to long stretches of golden sandy main islands are Lewis, Harris, North/South beaches. Some of the tranquil un-spoilt and . These are inter-connected beaches of the Western Isles are world- by a system of roads, causeways, famous and rival beaches in the world’s and planes which enable you to travel the hotter climates. beach, situated length and breadth of the islands, on the spectacular west coast of South discovering beautiful coastlines, coves, Harris, has been voted Britain’s best beach beaches and sea-lochs. Many of the roads and has also been said to be one of the top are narrow; some are single track which ten beaches in the world. have bends and chicanes. This can leave some vulnerable in poor weather. Hosta Beach, Photography: Sandie Maciver

Room for you to breathe

The temperate climate and position of the the winter. Sea transport is crucial to the Western Isles gives home to an unusual islands, and a variety of services serve selection of plants, wildlife and rare birds. the Western Isles. Air services offer direct The islands provide a unique opportunity to links to a number of mainland locations. watch the wildlife. Otters, seals, insects and Barra (: Port-adhair butterflies, rabbits, , whales, dolphins, Bharraigh) (also known as Barra Eoligarry porpoises, jellyfish, crabs, and much more, Airport) is a short- airport situated in can be seen throughout the isles. The un- the wide shallow bay of Traigh Mhòr at the spoilt natural beauty of the islands provides north tip of the island of Barra. The airport is a great backdrop for the many species of unique, being the only one in the world wildlife that can be observed. where scheduled flights use a beach as the The Western Isles has a population of runway. opened in 1936 and in around 27,000 people and the islands are 2011 was named the world's most accessed from mainland Scotland by ferries spectacular place to land. and planes, both services can be affected in Maraig , Isle of Harris Photography: Sandie Maciver

Come and make some history

The Western Isles have been inhabited for Many of these historic sites have been over 6000 years.The invaded in the preserved, such as the famous 9th century and today still many place Stones and the Village. names remaining are of Norse origin.Gaelic On a Sunday, particularly in Lewis and and English are both spoken and school Harris, virtually all commercial activity children have the option of being taught in ceases and a large proportion of the Gaelic Medium classes in their local schools. population attends church. This makes the People in the Western Isles are very proud character of the islands very different from of their history and culture, which contains the hustle and bustle of most mainland much hardship and human cost, during areas on a Sunday. which time the islanders fought with great determination to carve out their future. Inspired, whatever the weather!

The Western Isles has a maritime

Kisimul Castle, Isle of Barra climate dominated by ‘North Atlantic Drift’ or ‘Gulf Stream’;

Photography: Sandie Maciver climatically the dominant features are wind and rain. In contrast to the winters, when the days are quite short, in the summer the actual daylight hours are extremely long, with lots of daylight and barely two hours of darkness at midsummer due to the northerly latitude of the Islands.

Making it all work for you

Many people move to the Western Isles for Modern technology offers workers the the quality of life and the ability to regain a opportunity, across many different sectors better work-life balance. As well as being throughout the islands, for home working. well known for the safety of its communities, Video/teleconferencing is often used to link the pace of life is slower, with much less inter-island and mainland partners, reducing traffic to navigate to get to work and go the need to travel. about daily life. The picturesque town of is the hub of the Western Isles; it is home to a variety of sporting, media and social establishments and is where the majority of shops and local headquarters are located. Stornoway Harbour, Photography: Sandie Maciver

reasons to stay in the islands (rather than leaving to study Health & Social Care in the cities of mainland Scotland), contribute to the local Sports facilities There are three main hospitals situated on the main islands, economy or even build their own business. There is a The offers a superb range of outdoor (Ospadal nan Eilean Siar) in campus based at the hospital in activities including surfing, kite surfing, hill walking and Stornoway, the Uist & Barra Hospital (Ospadal Uibhist agus Stornoway. Students can undertake a range of health mountaineering and cycling. Horse riding is an increasingly Bharraigh) in which is located in the centre studies leading to qualifications in nursing and health and popular sport with many inland trails and long beaches between North and , and St Brendan’s Hospital in social care. providing the perfect setting. The Hebridean Equestrian Barra. There are a number of GP and Dental Practices Centre is only a 10 minute drive from Stornoway on the across the Western Isles. Community nursing services Isle of Lewis. It caters for both children and adults from operate out of general practice premises and at community Arts, culture & heritage the age of 4 upwards and no experience is necessary to offices in key locations. The Western Isles is home to a good range of restaurants, take part. There is a smaller community riding school based take-aways and pubs, accommodating all tastes and in Benbecula. Community Care Services are available across the Western budgets. Live music is on offer in a variety of pubs and Isles for people with a range of needs. The service Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sport and Health Section clubs, mainly at the weekend. provides high quality support to individuals, their families delivers and supports a wide range of services across the and carers. The Comhairle provides support at home, in No matter where you live in the Outer Hebrides, you will Western Isles. Outdoor activities and multi-sports are residential care and in resource centres. There are also a find a wealth of authentic experiences to engage with - particularly popular in the Western Isles. The main sports number of local organisations that provide support and the rich culture, the outstanding natural heritage, food, centre in the Western Isles is located in Stornoway. The services to the community such as lunch clubs, support for music, art and craft culture - all ways of enjoying the living Ionad Spors Leodhais (Lewis Sports Centre) has a full carers, Dementia Services and advocacy. Gaelic culture. range of sports facilities both indoor and outdoor, which provides an excellent facility for school children and the There is a selection of museums and art centres situated general public. Register with a doctor across the islands. Among them is the award winning Taigh A range of smaller, local community facilities is also Remember you should register yourself/family with a doctor Chearsabhagh in North Uist and Centre in the provided throughout the Isles and a whole host of sporting at your local practice as soon as possible. The Medical heart of Stornoway. These are multi-purpose venues, activities is pursued through clubs and organised events Practice will advise you on specific documentation required hosting exhibitions and workshops, live music, theatre held throughout the year; covering sports such as rugby, to register. and cinemas. football, , fishing, riding, canoeing, golf, athletics and Many communities hold an annual Agricultural Show, a 10 pin bowling. A minimum of four half marathons are run Moving home great showcase for the community and fun for all every year, plus various cycling events and a range of Looking for the right property can be somewhat of a the family, with craft stalls, displays and demonstrations, charity focused events. challenge. If you are moving from the mainland, it is highland dancing and music. important you are well informed about the area prior to your move. There is a good selection of Estate Agents and Shopping Solicitors available locally to help you with the process, Music The town of Stornoway is the main town in which most of whether you are buying, selling or wanting to rent property. the shops are located and is the only place in the Outer The Hebridean Celtic Festival is a four day award winning Hebrides where you will find a mix of small high street festival which takes place annually in July and brings shops, and local independent shops, of which many sell Schools and Education together a variety of traditional and contemporary music. locally produced goods, such as traditional After a £70 million investment by the local government, This event attracts visitors from around the globe to the and jewellery. The local fishing fleet provides fresh fish and children across the Western Isles are now being taught in Castle Green in the centre of Stornoway. shellfish to local fish shops and restaurants. some of the most modern schools in Scotland. Smaller musical events are also held where adults College campus is part of the University of the and children are given the opportunity throughout the Highlands and Islands. There is a wide range of Isles to learn to play musical instruments. The local professional development courses and further education children’s Gaelic Mod is held annually, usually at the courses available for study. This gives students more beginning of June. Useful links and numbers Lewis

Local council (CnES) www.cne-siar.gov.uk/contact.asp

NHS Western Isles www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk Harris Traveline Scotland www.travelinescotland.com

Caledonian Macbraynes Ferry Timetables www.calmac.co.uk/timetables St Kilda

Flybe www.flybe.com North Visit Scotland Benbecula Uist www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/outer-hebrides

South Uist

Comhairle Barra nan Eilean Siar